Southwest Airlines, a major low-cost carrier headquartered at Dallas Love Field, is known for its extensive reach across the United States. Despite this broad presence, there remain areas where the airline's footprint is notably limited, particularly in the American Northeast. This region includes the New York Metropolitan Area, where Southwest maintains operations only at LaGuardia Airport and has no presence at Newark Liberty International Airport or John F. Kennedy International Airport.
The New York area is a significant market for both leisure and business travel, with a high concentration of premium travelers. Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and United Airlines dominate this market, offering premium services and catering to high-spending passengers. Delta, in particular, is the largest carrier at both LaGuardia and JFK, leveraging its partnership with American Express to attract business travelers.
JetBlue has positioned itself as New York's hometown airline, focusing on a more personalized passenger experience and introducing a new premium cabin for higher-end destinations. United Airlines dominates Newark, serving as a critical hub for business and leisure travelers seeking global connections.